Rebirth in the 1970s: Military Commander's Sweet and Fierce Love

Chapter 6: The Truth Behind the Original Owner's Death

Xu Juan got up from the floor and pointed at Zhao Yunchu, saying, "You little wretch, how come you didn't die out there? How dare you eat the food on this table?"

"Why shouldn't I eat?" Zhao Yunchu burped contentedly and said, "Aunt, haven't you figured out the situation? This is my home, not yours. You're only here because I've been lenient out of respect for my father. If I told you to leave now, you'd have to pack up and go."

Xu Juan was stunned. Zhao Yunchu seemed like a completely different person, speaking confidently and clearly, unlike her previous quiet and reserved self.

"What are you staring at, Aunt? Am I wrong? Four years ago, you told me you were just staying temporarily. And now you've been living here for four years. I haven't made a mistake, have I?" Zhao Yunchu smiled.

"Yunchu, is what you're saying true?" Zhou Jianping was in shock, realizing he had been misled. He had believed Zhao Yunchu was merely a lodger here, not the actual owner of the home.

Sixteen years ago, the marriage was arranged by their grandfathers. Zhou Jianping was supposed to propose to the Zhao family when he turned eighteen. He had always resented this arrangement, feeling his life was controlled by his grandfather.

Zhao Yunchu and Zhao Jiaojiao were born just two days apart, so the details of the marriage were not specified at the time. A month ago, when Zhou Jianping visited, Xu Juan personally received him, and Zhao Jiaojiao accompanied him. Through their conversation, Zhou Jianping learned that Zhao Yunchu was considered a lazy and unattractive fool.

Initially, Zhou Jianping didn't believe it. However, when Zhao Jiaojiao took him to see Zhao Yunchu, who was working outside and looked dirty and unkempt, he was horrified. The idea of marrying someone like that was unappealing. Zhao Jiaojiao, on the other hand, though short and plain, seemed much more acceptable compared to Zhao Yunchu.

Over time, Zhao Jiaojiao's persistent flattery, coupled with Zhou Jianping's own chauvinistic tendencies, led him to consider marrying her. Additionally, Xu Juan had mentioned that the family's assets would all belong to him after Xu Juan's death, further motivating him.

Zhao Yunchu turned to Zhou Jianping and said, "I don't know you, and I have no idea about the so-called arranged marriage you're talking about. Also, just call me by my full name. 'Yunchu' isn't a name you should use because we aren't close."

"Yunchu, the arranged marriage was set by our grandfathers. Once I turn eighteen, we're supposed to marry," Zhou Jianping said, unwilling to accept the situation. In his mind, Zhao Jiaojiao was his ideal choice.

"Arranged by grandfathers, that's their business, not mine. Now that the country is undergoing reform, arranged marriages are not legally recognized and have no validity," Zhao Yunchu said, showing no fondness for Zhou Jianping. If he was truly engaged to the original Zhao Yunchu, why did he distance himself after her accident? Furthermore, his relationship with Zhao Jiaojiao seemed suspicious, as her resentful gaze made clear.

Zhou Jianping was about to continue speaking when he suddenly felt a chill down his back, as if something was staring at him.

"Yunchu is now my wife. Your engagement is no longer valid!" Le Beicheng declared assertively. He was determined not to let the man in front of him continue to pester Zhao Yunchu.

Zhou Jianping was dumbfounded. He hadn't expected that the man standing before him had already married the woman he was interested in.

"Once a daughter is married off, she's like spilled water," Xu Juan said, her hands on her hips. "There's no place for you in this house anymore. What are you doing bringing a wild man here? Aren't you embarrassed by your disgraceful actions?"